Lena Headey shares a thrilling alternate ending idea for how Game of Thrones could have ended for her iconic character Cersei Lannister.
Game of Thrones actor Lena Heady shares a fascinating alternate idea of how the show could have ended for Cersei Lannister. Headey’s performance as Cersei was one of the most consistently promoting elements of the popular show. One of the common criticisms of the final season is that she was underutilized and that her ending was underwhelming. Instead of a much-desired direct confrontation with Arya Stark or Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei and Jaime Lannister were killed by the Red Keep’s falling rubble during the Battle of King’s Landing.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Headey was asked if she ever thought of her ideal ending for Game of Thrones’ Cersei. The actor shares an alternate ending that she discusses with Arya actor Maisie Williams, an ending that would conclude Cersei’s story, her relationship with Jaime, and Arya’s long-standing desire to kill the Lannister queen. Read Headey’s comments below:
I think all of us did, to be honest, because you started trying to write the story yourself. And [Arya Stark actress Maisie Williams] and I would fantasize about a Cersei and Arya showdown; that she will come back as Jaime. That was our dream. But they make different choices.
Would Headey’s Pitch Have Worked Well?
Headey’s pitch is a compelling idea that is arguably a better ending for Cersei and Jaime. It connects back to the character’s actions in season 1 and the role she played in betraying House Stark and Ned Stark being executed at the command of her son, Joffrey Baratheon. While she greatly weakened House Stark, she never saw Arya, and it would feel like poetic justice for Arya to be the one to kill her. Arya wearing Jaime’s face will make it even better as Cersei’s trust and love in Jaime will also be part of her undoing.
This ending would mean Cersei’s past choices and relationships had more of a direct impact on her death. It is also better for Jaime as it means he could still play a role in the ending of her story without having to actually reunite with his sister. Another common criticism of Game of Thrones season 8 is how Jaime’s rewarding character development was pushed aside as he left Brienne of Tarth and instead chose to reunite and die with Cersei. Arya wearing a face that looks like Jaime means he could still impact his sister’s ending without undermining his character development.
Between Cersei still being on Arya’s list and all the time spent training with the Faceless Men, this ending can be seen as a satisfying culmination of Arya’s journey. The only problem is that it means Arya would have ended the series by choosing death over life. One thing season 8 does well is how Arya chooses to live instead of dying to potentially kill Cersei. Making this choice and exploring the uncharted world that is west of Westeros is a satisfying ending for her that wouldn’t have worked with Headey’s Game of Thrones’ ending.
